HISTORY

History of Elim

• Elim Baptist Church was established in 1786.
• It was originally called Lynch’s Creek Church.
• Samuel Timmons was the first ordained pastor.
• Samuel Timmons was converted in the 1790’s by a slave minister known as Professor Moses.
• Timmons also led the church to change the name to Elim in 1815.
• Elim, which is Hebrew for “strong trees” was a strategic oasis for the Israelites after they had crossed the Red Sea on their way to the Promised Land. 

 

• John Morgan Timmons, Samuel’s nephew became pastor after Samuel died in 1826.
• John Timmons was the pastor for more than 40 years.
• John had 12 children and founded the town of Timmonsville. 
• He is buried in our cemetery

 

• Elim helped to start the churches of Lake City First Baptist, Willow Creek Baptist, Hebron Baptist, Sardis Baptist, Evergreen Baptist, and Sparrow Swamp Baptist.

 

• Luther Rice reportedly preached one of his last sermons at Elim in 1836
• Known in Baptist history for his contributions to missionary endeavor, for his desire to foster cooperation among Baptists, and for his untiring effort to educate ministers.
• Rice has a seminary named after him in Georgia

 

• Member of the Charleston Baptist Association from 1808 – 1831
• Member of the Welsh Neck Baptist Association from 1832 – 1889
• Elim was a charter member of Florence Baptist Association in 1890

 

• Our current sanctuary was built in 1915.
• The 1829 church building was moved across the road to be used by Elim Methodist Church, now Elim Bible Church.

A more complete history can be found here.